FIELD NOTE 01
Build the list from official documents
Do not buy books from an old blog list. Match title, edition, addenda, and permitted annotations to the current official publication list.
- ICC B1 exam catalog listing
- current International Residential Code edition named by ICC
- ICC candidate bulletin
FIELD NOTE 02
Prepare references for retrieval
Know the document structure before adding tabs or notes, and follow every exam-security rule governing annotations.
- Map contents, indexes, tables, and definitions
- Practice field-language-to-section lookups
- Use only permitted tabs and marks
- Recheck the rules before exam day
FIELD NOTE 03
Study relationships between documents
Many inspection decisions cross from a governing code into a material, welding, testing, or repair standard. Practice identifying which source controls each step.
- building planning and life safety
- foundations and framing
- weather protection
- code-book lookup and inspection sequence
Common questions
ICC B1 Code Books & References, answered
Which books do I need for ICC B1?
Use the current official International Code Council exam reference list. Edition and effectivity dates matter.
Can I use tabs and handwritten notes?
Annotation policies vary. Follow the current test-administrator and International Code Council rules; prohibited material can be refused.
Primary source
Verify before you act
Exam policies, fees, references, and eligibility can change. HoldPoint is independent and uses International Code Council as the authority for current program facts.
Official ICC sourceEDITORIAL REVIEW: AUGUST 2026